York United Adds Liberian International Brem Soumaoro

It’s proven to be a big week for York United’s defensive shape, with the club re-signing team captain Roger Thompson yesterday and adding Liberian international Brem Soumaoro today.

The 26-year-old Liberian international arrives to York Lions Stadium on a one-year deal club options through to 2025, having last featured for Cypriot second division side PAEEK.

Soumaoro was a regular feature for the club as it fought unsuccessfully against relegation last year, with the defender splitting his duties between centre-back and defensive midfield in a similar manner to Jordan Wilson.

His professional career began in the Netherlands with Jong FC Twente and the Go Ahead Eagles, with the defender then signing with Serie B side Livorno. A short return to Jong FC Twente followed before a switch to Den Boscha, after which his Dutch movement continued with MVV Maastricht.

While Soumaoro was born in Guinea, he was eligible to feature for Liberia through his parents and accepted a call-up to do so in 2021. He’s made eight appearances for the side since, most recently featuring in a three-nil loss against Egypt.

“The calibre of opposition he’s faced when playing for Liberia really is impressive,” said Nine Stripes President Angus McNab. “He’s so committed to playing for his country and he knows that he has to be in excellent club form for that to continue.”

Now arriving to York Lions Stadium after a career that has seen several Eredivisie appearances and the opportunity to captain his national team, head coach Martin Nash describes him as an exciting acquisition.

“There’s a wealth of experience across some very competitive environments in Europe and he’s inching closer towards a decade of pro playing time overall,” said Nash. “For a player in his mid-twenties, that’s impressive pedigree. “

“He’s already captained his country and led them into some huge games, which says a lot about his qualities on and off the field. As well as being a very strong and capable centre-back, he boasts experience playing slightly higher too. And having some cover in different positions is never a bad thing, especially in our league.”

Soumaoro now occupies the fifth of seven international slots for York United, with Kevin Dos Santos, Lassana Faye, Oussama Alou, and Tas Mourdoukoutas holding the others.

Soumaoro arrives on a one-year deal with further club options for 2024 and 2025.